How child filmmakers got surprising results in PLE

Eight prominent child actors from St Marcelino Academy in Matugga, Makindye Junior Academy, and Kibuuka Memorial Primary School excelled in the recently released Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

They are Sean Mark Bamwite, Shalon Najjingo, Josiah Maweli Mwesigwa,  Matharhonah Joy Akia, Isaiah Kisaakye, Stephanie Lanyero Serumaga, Lauren Ssesimba Mwaguya and Hope Jeronymos Kituuka. 

Despite their involvement in the TV series Junior Drama Club by Allan Manzi and Nisha Kalema, Bamwite, Najjingo, Mwesigwa, Akia, Kisaakye, and Serumaga achieved remarkable first-grade results. Bamwite scored 4, Najjingo 9, Mwesigwa 5, Akia 5, Kisaakye 7, and Serumaga 5. Mwanguya and Kituuka scored 8 and 7, respectively.

Their standout performances were particularly notable in English and Mathematics, where most received a distinction one. Mwanguya, a sound designer, editor, and recordist with Wings Films Uganda, and Kituuka, known for roles in Parental Gap and Omwana Wekikazi, demonstrated excellence in both academics and the arts.

Lauren Mwanguya's father, Taddeo Ssesimba, expressed surprise at his son's ability to balance film and studies. Despite concerns about academics requiring devotion, Mwanguya excelled, passionately dedicating time to editing movie clips.

"I found it hard to believe, but it turned out to be true. My son has consistently immersed himself in the editing room, dedicated to working on movies. Despite our attempts to persuade him to prioritise books over his passion, he always reassured us to trust him. Yet, we couldn't shake off our concerns as he devoted the majority of his time to his creative pursuits," shared Ssesimba.

Akia's mother, Namuge Annah, shared similar sentiments, highlighting Akia's improvement in academics since joining acting. Akia aspires to attend Gayaza High School to pursue further studies, supported by her mother, who encourages parents to nurture their children's talents.

"Even her teachers shared my apprehension because of her lackluster academic performance in the past. However, her involvement in acting proved to be a surprising catalyst for improvement. It astonished me to witness her progress, and in the end, she delivered a commendable performance," she explained.

Nisha Kalema, a producer of Junior Drama Club, noted that academic excellence was a requirement for the young actors to remain on the TV series. She believes their dedication to both academics and acting contributed to their success.

Robert Semakula, the headteacher at St Marcelino Academy in Matugga, Wakiso, explained how the school balanced academic and talent development. Facing challenges in coordinating acting and class time, the school provided extra classes to compensate for missed lessons. 

Semakula emphasised the importance of counselling sessions for the children to boost their confidence, and to parents, particularly for to concerned about their children's academic performance.

"It posed a challenge to reassure some of these candidates who, at times, believed they no longer required education as they had become stars. Parents, too, were anxious about their children's academic performance. Our approach involved counseling both the children and their parents, providing them with additional lessons to empower them academically," explained Semakula.

Despite initial fears, even students who were not strong performers academically rose to the occasion, driven by a determination to uphold their positive image. Semakula urged parents to support their children's talents, viewing non-academic activities as potential motivational factors rather than hindrances.

He called on the Government to identify and develop scholars' talents, emphasising that focusing on talents from a young age could lead to future success.

St Marcelino Academy Matugga is actively promoting music among its young scholars, aiming for a foundation that fosters talent development as they grow older.